A window into applied science supported by INL

Nanograde is a spin-off of ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich) founded in 2008, dedicated to the development and production of nanoparticles.

The company provides custom synthesis of nanoparticles using a versatile patented process by ETH Zurich. It also offers to its customers the implementation of projects to produce or develop new applications for nanoparticles.

The Instituto de Nanociencia de Aragón (INA) and the Instituto Tecnológico de Aragón are collaborating on a project for the design and development of a multisensory platform built by several silicon-modified micro assemblies with zeolites for the detection of specific elements that gas mixtures present. It is clear that this micro device has a wide range of applications; this initiative focuses on the detection of a molecule of the family of derivatives of TNT explosives.

The electronic nose, the micro levers or silicon microstructures are coated with zeolites micro membranes which act as sensing layers, absorbing gases selectively depending on its temperature.

Unidym, Inc.has created a spin-off company, Ensysce Biosciences Inc., which focuses on the use of fullerenes carbon nanotubes in therapeutic applications, specifically in the area of cancer treatment. Ensysce Biosciences develops a new class of therapeutics using carbon nanotubes as delivery agents. Currently, the company participates in the following research projects:

The spin-out of Carnegie Mellon University opened in January this year its first manufacturing line development (D-line), an industrial facility to develop printable solar inks manufacturing techniques using commercially relevant. Moreover, its modular design also allows evaluating new processes to improve the functioning of their inks.

Power generation and cooling systems are major applications of these nanomaterials. According to the company, the materials developed can be easily integrated into various devices for cooling and power generation in the market and may lead to a new generation of cleaner and more energy efficient products.

Spoleky Amroy Europe Ltd.have announced a cooperation agreement to market wind energy systems based on high performance HYBTONITE dispersed carbon nanotubes.
HYBTONITE ® nanoepoxy is one of the last families of the spin-off from the University of Jyväskylä (Amroy Europe Ltd.), with applications in the automotive, aeronautical and wind, among others.

A123Systems and Chrysler LLC have signed an agreement for the new batteries line of electric cars and hybrids Envi.
It seems that the original idea was to provide five car models of these batteries. The all-electric vehicles have a standard plug to be refilled during the night and will have a hybrid battery that will provide autonomy of 40 miles. The first of the five models will go on sale next year.

SouthWest NanoTechnologies (SWeNT) has received his Low Release, Low Exposure PMN exemption from EPA under TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act.), which means they can produce and distribute carbon nanotubes for commercial applications.

INL – News

New INL researcher Marta Prado

Marta Prado is INL´s latest researcher and has just settled in in Braga. She has an advanced degree in Food Science and Technology and studies in Biology Science from the University of Santiago de Compostela (Spain). Marta has a PhD from the same university in the program of Nutrition, Bromatology and Food technology.

Between the years 1999 and 2006, our new Spanish colleague has been working as a researcher in the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences (Lugo, Spain) from the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC). Between 2006 and 2010, she has been working as Scientific Officer in the Institute of Reference Materials and Measurements from the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission (EC-JRC-IRMM) in Geel, Belgium.

Most of her research experience is related with genomic analysis tools and its application to food analysis, since she had worked on the development and optimization of PCR-based methods for the control of food and animal feeds. In the INL, she will work on the application of magnetic nanobiosensors for the detection of ruminant origin meals in feed.